Certain dogs have become world-renowned for the fidelity they showed their owners, like Hachikō, who waited for his master to return long after his owner had died. This Japanese Akita went to Shibuya Station every day for nine long years after Ueno passed away. His watch only ended when his own life did.

Bobbie the Wonder Dog, from the USA

After getting lost in Wolcott, Indiana during a family road trip, Bobbie, a two-year-old Scotch Collie travelled an unbelievable 4 500 kilometres, or 2 800 miles, all on his own to reunite with his family in Silverton, Oregon. Luck must have been on his side as he spent six months walking home, and his bravery and endurance have been honoured with a statue in front of the house he eventually found.

Constantine, Kostya, from Russia

Kostya, a German Shepherd, was the sole survivor of a horrific car accident, left behind when his owners’ bodies were moved from the scene. Eventually, people started noticing that he kept coming back to the same spot, looking for his family on the street and waiting for them.

After a while, several people tried to adopt him, but Kostya never stopped waiting and wouldn’t leave his post for long. Eventually, after seven years, his body was found in some nearby woods. In honour of his loyalty, a bronze sculpture now stands where he used to.

This kind of story makes me glad that I can do so much from home, like Skype friends and family, get some work done, and even play NZ slots for real money! That way there’s no chance my dog will be left without someone to look after him!

Gelert, from Wales

A tomb and statue were erected for Gelert in the Welsh town of Beddgelert honouring their most famous loyal dog. His tombstone tells his story.

In the 13th century, Llewelyn, the prince of Northern Wales, had a palace in that town and one day he went hunting without his dog. Upon his return, the prince found his loyal companion stained and smeared with blood, his son’s cot unaccountably empty, and the floor and bedclothes drenched in visceral.

Llewlyn, frantic with grief, plunged his sword into the animal’s side, thinking it had claimed the life of his heir. The dog’s dying howl, however, was answered by the child’s cry, and, upon searching, the prince found his son unharmed. Alongside him, however, was the mighty wolf Gelert had slain to protect him.

Ruswarp, from England

Graham Nutall was an active member of the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line which fought against the closure of the Garsdale railway station. Ruswarp was his dog and followed him everywhere, from fishing trips to daily walks, and wherever he went.

One day Mr Nutall went for his usual ramble in the mountains but failed to return. 11 weeks later his body was found, with Ruswarp faithfully guarding the cadaver. The 14-year old Border Collie was very weak from his long vigil, however, and died the same day his master was found.

Today you can see a sculpture of the dedicated animal at the station his owner was trying to prevent closing.